If you live in the Rio Grande Valley, you may have heard of Charlie Clark and Kirk Clark, two prominent car dealers who run separate businesses in the area. You may have also wondered if they are related, and if so, how. In this article, we will explore the truth behind the Clark family and their involvement in the automotive industry.
The Father-Son Feud
According to a Reddit post, Charlie Clark and Kirk Clark are father and son, respectively. They both inherited the Charles Clark Chevrolet dealership from their grandfather, Charles Clark Sr., who founded it in 1933. However, they had a falling out in the late 1990s and split the business. Charlie Clark opened his own Nissan dealership, while Kirk Clark kept the Chevrolet dealership.
The exact reason for their feud is unclear, but some speculate that it had to do with personal or financial disagreements. According to an article by Texas Christian University Magazine, Kirk Clark was involved in a lawsuit with his sister, Dorothy Clark Davidson, over their inheritance from their father. The lawsuit was settled in 2004, but it may have caused some tension within the family.
The Car Dealership Legacy
Despite their estrangement, both Charlie Clark and Kirk Clark have continued to run successful car dealerships in the Rio Grande Valley. They have also been involved in various philanthropic and artistic endeavors. According to his website, Kirk Clark is an accomplished sculptor and painter who has exhibited his work nationally and internationally. He has also donated his art to various causes, such as the International Museum of Art & Science and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
According to his website, Charlie Clark is a motivational speaker and a supporter of various charities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Salvation Army. He is also known for his quirky and humorous commercials, which feature him dressed as various characters, such as a cowboy, a superhero, or a rapper.
The Final Farewell
Sadly, Kirk Clark passed away on March 15, 2022, at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife, Patsy; his children, Charles IV, Dorothy Ann, and Kirk Jr.; and his grandchildren. His obituary states that he was “a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor to many.”
Charlie Clark has not publicly commented on his father’s death, but he may have attended his funeral service, which was held on March 19 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in McAllen. The service was livestreamed on Facebook for those who could not attend in person.
Conclusion
Charlie Clark and Kirk Clark are indeed related; they are father and son who inherited a car dealership business from their grandfather. However, they had a falling out in the late 1990s and split the business. They both continued to run successful car dealerships in the Rio Grande Valley until Kirk Clark’s death in 2022. They also had other interests and passions outside of the automotive industry, such as art and philanthropy.
